Military Model Scene
Robin Buckland's
First World War Aircraft in Scale
...Scratchbuilding in 1/144 scale, from Fonthill Media

Title: First World War Aircraft in Scale
Author: William Adair
Publisher: Fonthill Media
ISBN: 978-1-78155-925-3
Scratchbuilding in 1/144 scale, a new book from Fonthill Media. A 220-page soft-cover book.
The second of their new series of books for modellers from Fonthill Media, and in this case an expert modeller sharing his skills in scratchbuilding the delicate WW1 aircraft in the small scale of 1/144. I was interested to see his credit to Ray Rimmell for inspiration through his Windsock series of books on WW1 aircraft, as Ray was once editor of Airfix Magazine, and gave me my first magazine column in that magazine way back in 1986. The 5 chapters begin with the detail of the author's specialist tools, and some of the basic ones which most modellers will already have in their tool kit. Then there are a series of scratchbuilt projects, and which were spread over several years of building, so you get to see how some of the techniques evolved over time, and as the author got more practiced/skilled. The first 2 are a Pfalz D.III and a D.IIIa. They are followed by a Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2b, an Airco De Havilland DH.2, and finally a Nieuport 17. Each one has their build described, with all the methods/materials/techniques explained in detail along the way. The finished models, including the paintwork and custom made decals are absolutely first class.
The quality of these models is quite superb, and the delicacy of work carried out is an inspiration in itself. There are elements in here I have never dared try in all my many years of modelling, but seeing them explained and illustrated so well, I feel suitably inspired to give them a go. This is a fine addition to this new series of modelling books coming from Fonthill Media, lots to learn from it.
Thanks to Fonthill Media for the review copy.
Robin